The changes come as part of an enhanced broker model developed after consultation with CIF and the bank’s third party network

Home loan rates will rise regardless future cash rate decisions, according to one bank analyst, as the pressure on banks to strengthen their capital position heats up.

Referring to two speeches APRA chairman Wayne Byres gave last week, in which he said banks will need to fund themselves with more long-term debt and adapt to Basel 4’s review of mortgage risk weights, UBS banking analyst Jonathan Mott told the investment bank’s clients that the medium outlook for banks “remains challenging” as these changes would mean funding costs will rise “potentially significantly”, Fairfax has reported.

“The speeches seem to suggest that the market may be underestimating the degree of regulatory change and the impact it may have on the banks,” Mott said.

According to the Fairfax report, an additional $15.5 billion of equity capital has been raised by the big Australian banks since May in response to the Murray Inquiry’s recommendation to ensure our financial system remains “unquestionably strong”.

Whilst Mott said it is difficult to predict the exact impact these changes may have on the banks — the Basel Committee is expected to release a consultation paper in the coming months — he did say that we can expect the banks to pass on the cost in the form of higher interest rates, even if the cash rate is cut further.

“Additional re-pricing may be necessary just to offset the additional funding costs the banks may face,” Mott said, according to Fairfax.

“…the vast majority, or even all, of any future rate cuts are now unlikely to be passed onto borrowers,” he added.

COMMENTS

by SEQ Broker24/09/2015 9:50:14 AM

What Guf! The term "remains challenging" is spin. So what you're saying is $8 to $12 billion per annum profit is putting banks in a "remains challenging" position. APRA is simply giving banks an excuse to write themselves a bigger paycheck.

With your definition, there is only half a dozen businesses in Australia that are not in a "challenging" position. How could you justify that hogwash, then write an article that basically supports lending institutions capitalising on innuendo from APRA who is effectively in a position of having to justify their existence.

I think my position of "competition will ensure rate cuts are passed on to consumers" has a lot more weight to it than your speculation. At least there is historical evidence to back my position up - you are having a guess and then publishing it.

by Harold Spencer24/09/2015 11:28:47 AM

Mr Mott, as an analyst for UBS you should be well aware of Mr Byres intelligence. Shame on you for using it to promote your own gain.

by Harold Spencer25/09/2015 11:13:45 AM

ANZ came out publicly yesterday and stated rates will go down. Let the games begin. Let's see who earns their bonus this year!